KOTA KINABALU: Sabah recorded the highest number of offences with 82 cases under the integrated anti-leakage operation, says Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (pic).
Dubbed Ops Tiris 4.0, the Deputy Prime Minister said two other cases were detected in Labuan.
“Enforcement operations in Sabah and Labuan led to the seizure of 102,144 litres of diesel and 23,907 litres of petrol, as well as 9,605kg of cooking oil, 3,726kg of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and 198kg of sugar.
“A total of 320 legal violations have been recorded since March 16.
“These cases were uncovered through 18,261 inspections conducted nationwide,” he told reporters after chairing a meeting to establish the Ops Tiris 4.0 special task force in Sabah and Labuan yesterday, Bernama reported.
Fadillah, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, said of the total, 138 cases involved seizures of controlled diesel, followed by petrol (77), LPG (41), cooking oil (35), sugar (22) and wheat flour (seven).
Eighty-five individuals have been detained to assist in investigations.
“The government will act firmly against those seeking to profit illegally from public subsidies.
“The results reflected strong inter-agency cooperation with 185 cases detected by the enforcement division of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry,” Fadillah said.
Another 135 cases were contributed by other enforcement agencies including General Operations Force (74), marine police (36) and police (19) with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Border Control and Protection Agency, Immigration Department, Customs Department, Road Transport Department and Eastern Sabah Security Command.
Fadillah also said the ongoing conflict in Middle East has triggered an energy crisis, including supply disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, which had a major impact on the world.
He said the government remains committed to ensuring fuel subsidies reach targeted groups while safeguarding access to essential goods.
“Efforts to curb smuggling and leakage of controlled items, particularly diesel and petrol, will be intensified.
“Those who attempt to profit illegally through smuggling and misappropriation will face stern action under the law,” he said.
Fadillah also urged people in Sabah and Labuan to support the Kita Gempur initiative by acting as the eyes and ears of the authorities.
“Close cooperation with the federal government is key to safeguarding the nation’s economic sovereignty for future generations,” he added.
